June 2: Looking at the situation in Kargil, I feel the immediate need is that we should leave the Forces to do the job there and not get into ridiculous debates of the sort that are currently going on. Some of the issues that have been raised are just for the political ends of the people who are speaking. We are right now in -- what the Prime Minister described as a war-like situation -- and the important thing is to bring the crisis to an end. After that, they can hold any number of debates, inquiries and post-mortems.Right now, we have to give total support to our soldiers who are fighting on the border and to the families of those who have been killed while serving the nation. It is a difficult time for them and social workers should be involved to take a hand in consoling them. Our energies should be spent in keeping in touch with the families of the servicemen.
I think the difference between 1965, 1971 and now is the advent of television. The leaders get on TV and say the most ridiculous things,irrespective of which party they are from. Right now it is important to speak with one voice. But in the case of our political leaders the moment they come before a camera it distorts their thinking and they only try to make an impression. This sort of behaviour is not good for the morale of the Forces. Not just our first but our only thoughts right now should be with the Forces and their families.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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